DISSEMINATION OF GUIDELINES - WHICH SOURCES DO PHYSICIANS USE IN ORDER TO BE INFORMED

Objective. To gain insight into processes of dissemination of clinical guidelines, sources of information physicians use to become informed about them, and factors influencing these processes. Design. National survey among a random sample of family physicians using a structured q uestionnaire. Setting. Family practice in The Netherlands; evaluation of a national programme of (evidence based) practice guidelines. Study participants. A random sample of 1531 family physicians. Main measure s. Being informed about national guidelines and specific recommendatio ns from these guidelines; being informed about specific educational pr ogrammes on the national guidelines; sources of information used in or der to be informed; doctor and practice characteristics. Results. The response rate was 67%, the responders being younger than the non-respo nders. The scientific journal for family physicians proved to be the m ost important source of information (85%), discussing the guidelines i n the local family doctor group was also important (53%). Following co ntinuing medical education courses was less important (33%). On averag e 80% knew about the different guidelines and recommendations, 63% abo ut the educational programmes. Doctors who use the scientific journal as a source, who are members of the professional organization of famil y doctors, who are younger and who are actively involved in education on family medicine, proved to be better informed. Conclusions. Segment ation of the target group is necessary for effective dissemination of guidelines or new research findings. For some doctors it is desirable to make evidence available quickly, for others spreading the guideline s through the local network may be effective, while for another group a more active, personal approach may be necessary.